In this article…

A source close to the team informed Charged.fm that the New York Knicks are close to signing veteran guard Keith Bogans. The shooting guard known for his outside shooting and perimeter defense started 82 games for the first place Chicago Bulls last season. He was waived by the Bulls on December 16th after the signing of Richard Hamilton.

Bogans, an 8-year NBA veteran and former standout at Kentucky, will provide much needed backcourt depth to a Knicks team that has struggled coming out of the gate in the lockout shortened season. On paper, he seems to address many of the Knicks current problems.

The team has struggled defending the pick and roll, switching far too often on screens and a tough-nosed defender like Bogans could help solve the problem so eloquently described by Zach Lowe of Sports Illustrated. Bogans is not an offensive force, averaging only 4.4 points per game last season and a career high of 9.6 points. However, he did shoot 38% from three last season and should have plenty of open opportunities.

Common belief was that a move of that nature, while improving the first unit, would deplete an already thin second unit. It's not likely Bogans could replace Shumpert's offense with the second unit. However, with Shumpert replacing Toney Douglas in the starting lineup, Douglas could provide that offensive spark off the bench.

Following tonight's tilt against the Pistons, The Knicks next game is Monday night against the Charlotte Bobcats. All indications are that Keith Bogans will be a member of the team by then.

About the author…

Sports business and entertainment writer. Has appeared on Versus and ESPN2. A UW-Madison alum, Jake was born and raised in NYC. His other loves are hip-hop, TV, and movies. Former intern at the New York Daily News. Follow @jake_langbecker